Empathy Day | thebookactivist

I think we can all agree empathy has never been more needed as we face continued challenging times, and the world becomes even more complicated for children and young people to navigate.

EmpathyLab has announced its 2022 #ReadforEmpathy book collection, ahead of Empathy Day which takes place on 9th June. An expert judging panel has selected 60 books for 4-16 year-olds, each chosen to empower an empathy-educated generation:

“We’re in a golden age of children’s literature, coming just when we need
it most. Reading is a great way to raise a nourished, empathy-educated generation and helps combat the empathy deficit. Scientific research shows that identifying with fictional book characters helps readers better understand people in real-life; the collection features books with outstandingly crafted characters who will expand young people’s world view, helping them become more understanding of others and inspiring them to become socially active.”

The primary collection features 35 books for 4-11 year olds; the secondary collection has 25 books for 12-16 year olds and both collections featuring a whole host of brilliant, diverse authors and illustrators. The books feature themes that many readers will relate to – and many experiences they will be unfamiliar with, but all helping children build their empathy and understanding. Not only this, where these stories address issues such as climate concerns or homelessness, they will inspire positive action, even in the very young.

School communities can access useful guides free to parents and educators from the EmpathyLab website. The books in the #ReadforEmpathy collections are an ideal way to build empathy in school communities, with opportunities to start the conversation through stories that empower, educate, and engage all those who read them.

Ordering the books
The primary and secondary books can be bought through local independent bookshops and other retailers – instore or via bookshop.org. Sets of the primary and secondary books are available to buy from specialist children’s schools and libraries book supplier Peters – Visit peters.co.uk/empathy2022 to order.

Find out more at www.empathylab.uk.

There’s a buzz in the air and it’s getting louder : the countdown for Empathy Day has been running and it’s nearly here! After a tough year, a celebration focusing on encouraging empathy and therefore, kindness, tolerance and understanding, is just what’s needed.

Organisers EmpathyLab have pulled out all the stops, with the aim of this year’s activities being to encourage children across the UK to walk in someone else’s shoes. There’s an amazing line-up of events planned including includes free online events with Joseph Coehlo, A.M.Dassu, Michelle Robinson, Jay Hulme, Patrice Lawrence, Nathan Byron, Rashmi Sirdeshpande, Bali Rai, Holly Bourne, Rob Biddulph, Cressida Cowell, Michael Rosen, Michael Morpurgo and Jacqueline Wilson.

Launched by Children’s Laureate Cressida Cowell, the Empathy Day LIVE! programme takes audiences through three key steps: READ, CONNECT and ACT. It includes an Empathy Day draw along with Rob Biddulph; an “authors’ secrets” creative writing session with Malorie Blackman, Bali Rai and Holly Bourne; an Empathy Mirror body language game with A. M. Dassu and Adisa; making empathy resolutions with Nathan Bryon and Rashmi Sirdeshpande; and a listening lunch with Jacqueline Wilson. Michelle Robinson, Jay Hulme and Patrice Lawrence will run an Empathy Exhibition learning more about each other by sharing precious objects.

For adults, there’s a cutting-edge evening conversation with authors Catherine Johnson, Michael Rosen and David Baddiel. They will talk with Professor Dr Robin Banerjee, an expert in developmental psychology, about the role of empathy in society and using books to nurture young people’s empathy skills. Other free resources available to children and families in the run-up to the event include a newly-commissioned Empathy short story series, Empathy Illustrations and this year’s family activity pack. The 2021 Empathy Reads collection also features 50 specially chosen books for 4-16 years olds that help young people develop their empathy skills- download the lists here.

All Empathy Day LIVE! events can be watched live on EmpathyLab website and will be available to view after the event too. All in all, it’s not to be missed – for empathy, for amazing enrichment and for a celebration of stories.